Orthopaedics

Throbbing Leg Pain

Pain which is felt in between the ankle and the thigh is known as throbbing leg pain. In some cases, the pain can be very intense if you stand for a long duration and even walking becomes difficult. This condition may afflict both the legs simultaneously. It may occur at any time of the day. Throbbing leg pain during night may disrupt the sleep. If this pain continues for a long duration, it disturbs the normal life and may cause depression and stress.

Throbbing Leg Pain – Causes

Throbbing pain in leg occurs due to the problems in muscles, nerves and bones which are located in the leg. Following are some of the causes:

Varicose Veins

This condition develops because of improper valves functioning. When the valves are functioning properly, they are responsible for circulating blood to the heart. In varicose veins, the blood may remain in the leg veins and make them enlarged and wide, causing pain in legs. This condition is mostly observed in pregnant women.

Injury

Any injury to the leg may cause throbbing leg pain. It may occur due to a trauma or while performing some sports activities such as bad fall. A bone fracture, a strain or a tear in the muscle or inflammation of the tendons are responsible for this pain. Shin splints is a condition which afflicts the athletes and cause intense leg pain in the lower legs. It is developed in the leg bones because of excess usage. In some cases, an old injury may be a bothersome condition and cause intense pain in leg.

Circulation Problems

This can be due to clotting of blood in the veins and is referred to as deep vein thrombosis. Generally, this afflicts people who are under bed rest for a long duration. Poor blood circulation due to clotting can be another cause of leg pain. This condition is called atherosclerosis. This is mainly caused due to the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.

Nerve Damage

If the throbbing pain is leg occurs due to nerve damage, it is accompanied by numbness. Vitamins deficiency and diabetes are the primary causes of nerve damage. Alcoholics and smokers are also more susceptible to nerve problems which cause pain in leg. Sciatica which is caused by slipped disc often extends to legs.